CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Jefferson County Historical Society honored its retiring director Joe Carr, right, and welcomed its new director, John Nyberg, left, at the society's annual dinner Friday at Clifty Inn.

The final day for Carr, who has been the director of the Historical Society for more than two decades, will be Dec. 24. Nyberg is leaving a job as executive director of Historic Rock Castle in Hendersonville, Tenn.

He and his wife, Kim, lived in Madison for several years before she became the statewide manager of Main Street programs in Tennessee in late 2006.

John Nyberg said he started visiting Madison when he was 14, as he has always had family here, and his family has owned property since 1850.

"I will do everything in my power to share the rich history of this place," Nyberg said.

Under Carr's tenure, the Historical Society building was constructed and expanded, and the train caboose and the fountain were added.

"The building is really first-class, and the accomplishments are amazing," Nyberg told Carr. About 90 attended the annual dinner, where Ken Knouf was named Volunteer of the Year.